Holding Space

What an experience! This is probably the best workout I had in my entire life. I had the anti gravity yoga with Loriann and it was not only fun, creative, but a full body workout. The space is beautiful and calming and I highly recommend this place!

The aerial yoga/​Pilates classes at Holding Space is best experienced, not read about. Whatever you read in writing be prepared to be delighted even more when you go and experience for yourself the pleasure of doing yoga in a hammock. I have not been able to do most yoga classes I have tried due to weak upper body and core strength; so when I discovered that I could do a reasonable number of aerial yoga moves when supported by a hammock, I was hooked. Whoever knew hanging upside down could feel so good? The bats knew what was good for them all along! All of the instructors I’ve had in classes here have been stellar – accomplished, upbeat, full of joyous energy. Special mention of Shelly, if you get her, you will notice how divine she is. You will leave the class feeling like you had a workout and therapy for your body and soul all in one.

Shelly is the best! I feel awesome after flying in a class. Centered, fit, happy :)

If you want a truly unique experience and a great workout you should consider coming to the Holding Space at Studio Anya on 24^th Street. Anitgravity yoga is a combination of yoga, dance and acrobatics and is probably the most fun workout I have ever done.
Shelly Bomb is a master instructor and founder of the Holding Space. Shelly is truly a unique teacher. She will make you feel safe and welcome from her introduction. Her melodic voice will sooth you and comfort you as she takes you through a class of stretching, holding poses and flipping upside down in ways you would never imagine possible.
They offer Antigravity Restorative and Pilates classes as well. Other instructors at the Holding Space are also incredible, check out Jill for a kick-​ass AG Pilates class or Josie for AG yoga.
Studio Anya is really cute as well… arrive early and hang out in a massage chair before class. I have even had fresh baked muffins for free in their kitchen!

Everyone should try antigravity yoga (even if you are not a yogi). Either in its calmer, restorative version, or in its more active, full-​flight, Flying Fitness. Both are a unique experience for body and mind, that allow for space generating within the body, and an injection of energy and optimism.
Shelly Bomb is an excellent instructor (who actually developed the technique) who will inject confidence to your practice, and even if you are just a beginner (which I was 10 classes ago) her gentle instructions and optimism will get you to fly and pirouette with bliss in no time. The studio in itself is a beautiful, harmonious place, with a nice waiting area full of interesting books.
Regular practice of antigravity yoga was one of the highlights of my winter and spring in NY, and I am definitely planning on returning after summer.

Shelly Bomb is amazing, her energy, voice, instruction. Even if you’ve never participated in Anti-​Gravity Yoga before she will put you at ease.
Definitely a unique experience, and there’s something for everyone. Ages range, abilities too. Overall one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, left with a huge smile on my face.
The Scene: Earthy, Adventure, Great Energy
Destination Rating: 9
Date Rating: 10
Hob Nob Potential: 8 (open minded and friendly)
Strong Suggestion: Take a look at her website and choose a class that interests you. You can bring a friend or come alone… everyone is friendly.

As someone who loves AGY, Shelly Bomb is the best. She’s kind, upbeat and really focused on the sort of no-​judgement playfulness that helps people in their bodies, minds and spirits. Take a class with her, you’ll love it.

I recently took the anti gravity class at the holding space, but before I give you a review I have to give you a little background information about me in order for you to truly appreciate the review.
I’m terrified of heights and I’m a worrier. The two make a horrible combination because not only are you scared of heights, it’s intensified because you’re thinking about every single scenario that can go wrong. How strong is this thing, can it hold me. ect, ect.” My first anti-​gravity class was at another studio and while I was really proud to be able to just stand-​up in the hammock. I probably drove the teacher crazy with the questions, «are you sure this will hold up? «What’s that?» There were postures that I wouldn’t do, but I was just happy I conquered my fear to even take the class.
Then I took this class and immediately I trusted the teacher. She knows her stuff and there is something very genuine about her. You can tell she really loves what she does and takes pride in her space. Here’s the best part, not only did I go over backwards but I did it with my hands in the air. «Yay» I’m going back and maybe pretty soon I’ll be able to be in the Cirque du Soleil. The yoga version of course.
Om Shanti.
Stacy E.

I have taken this class twice and truly felt better after taking it. I have had back issues for the past 4 years and was lucky enough to get a private restorative class with Shelly Bomb. She has a lot of patience and really wants you to have fun. I will be back! Thank you!!!

I just got back from an anti-​gravity flying fitness class after my friend recommended that I do this for one of my 30 day challenges (
…). I must say that I feel unbelievably relaxed and at peace with myself. I had not taken a yoga class since I almost passed out at Bikram yoga on 14^th street, and taking this class just makes me want to start make this into a weekly routine.
Beautiful lavender hammocks hang from the ceiling in one of the rooms in Studio Anya. I approached everything with skepticism — doubting that I would be able to hang upside down securely and do the positions, but after a few simple warm ups and just having a bit of trust, I found myself inverted in moments of complete bliss. The blood rushing to my head released endorphins into brain giving me that high I thought only existed through medication.
I know what you’re thinking (because I thought the same thing) — how is this attached to the ceiling? The hammock itself is holstered on the links used for rock climbing and the very top is bolted to the metal support beam.
Shelly Bomb, the instructor for this anti-​gravity class, was the best part of the whole experience. She carefully explained everything clearly and provided the calming guidance expected from all yoga instructors. As I was in my little lavender cocoon, shielded from the rest of the world, she spoke with a soothing voice and walked around the room to set the scene. She brought me to my safe place; a place where I can leave all the stress behind. It was my mental and physical escape.
So why anti-​gravity over regular yoga? The hammock actually helps assist with many of the normal yoga poses and the exercises build a bit more core strength when doing some of the fun aerial moves that I would have never experienced in regular classes. The biggest plus, by far, is the complete straightening of each vertebra in my back. I feel (and probably am) taller after stretching my shoulders out and loosening those tense muscles that hunch over when I’m in front of my computer.
The overall experience reminds me of my younger days in the jungle gym. I used to explore the monkey bars and try to do fun stuff hanging around like a free animal. Imagine that with yoga stretching, and I think you have a perfect combination of core and flexibility exercises.
The anti-​gravity flying fitness class accommodates to all levels of physical fitness, but it is recommended (at least from my perspective) to be able to do a single pull-​up. The rest will be done by the hammock locking between your legs and against the small spot right above your butt.
Either way, try this for yourself because it’s the best $ 12 I’ve ever spent for a 1.5 hour class. I’ll definitely be back for more.